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Hammerum AM, Karstensen KT, Roer L, Kaya H, Lindegaard M, Porsbo LJ, Kjerulf A, Pinholt M, Holzknecht BJ, Worning P, Nielsen KL, Hansen SGK, Clausen M, Søndergaard TS, Dzajic E, Østergaard C, Wang M, Koch K, Hasman H. Surveillance of vancomycin-resistant enterococci reveals shift in dominating clusters from vanA to vanB Enterococcus faecium clusters, Denmark, 2015 to 2022. Euro Surveill 2024; 29:2300633. [PMID: 38847117 PMCID: PMC11158013 DOI: 10.2807/1560-7917.es.2024.29.23.2300633] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2023] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 06/09/2024] Open
Abstract
BackgroundVancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) are increasing in Denmark and Europe. Linezolid and vancomycin-resistant enterococci (LVRE) are of concern, as treatment options are limited. Vancomycin-variable enterococci (VVE) harbour the vanA gene complex but are phenotypically vancomycin-susceptible.AimThe aim was to describe clonal shifts for VRE and VVE in Denmark between 2015 and 2022 and to investigate genotypic linezolid resistance among the VRE and VVE.MethodsFrom 2015 to 2022, 4,090 Danish clinical VRE and VVE isolates were whole genome sequenced. We extracted vancomycin resistance genes and sequence types (STs) from the sequencing data and performed core genome multilocus sequence typing (cgMLST) analysis for Enterococcus faecium. All isolates were tested for the presence of mutations or genes encoding linezolid resistance.ResultsIn total 99% of the VRE and VVE isolates were E. faecium. From 2015 through 2019, 91.1% of the VRE and VVE were vanA E. faecium. During 2020, to the number of vanB E. faecium increased to 254 of 509 VRE and VVE isolates. Between 2015 and 2022, seven E. faecium clusters dominated: ST80-CT14 vanA, ST117-CT24 vanA, ST203-CT859 vanA, ST1421-CT1134 vanA (VVE cluster), ST80-CT1064 vanA/vanB, ST117-CT36 vanB and ST80-CT2406 vanB. We detected 35 linezolid vancomycin-resistant E. faecium and eight linezolid-resistant VVEfm.ConclusionFrom 2015 to 2022, the numbers of VRE and VVE increased. The spread of the VVE cluster ST1421-CT1134 vanA E. faecium in Denmark is a concern, especially since VVE diagnostics are challenging. The finding of LVRE, although in small numbers, ia also a concern, as treatment options are limited.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anette M Hammerum
- Bacteria, Parasites and Fungi, Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen, Denmark
- These authors contributed equally to this work and share first authorship
| | - Kasper Thystrup Karstensen
- Bacteria, Parasites and Fungi, Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen, Denmark
- These authors contributed equally to this work and share first authorship
| | - Louise Roer
- Bacteria, Parasites and Fungi, Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Hülya Kaya
- Bacteria, Parasites and Fungi, Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Mikkel Lindegaard
- Bacteria, Parasites and Fungi, Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Lone Jannok Porsbo
- Bacteria, Parasites and Fungi, Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Anne Kjerulf
- Bacteria, Parasites and Fungi, Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Mette Pinholt
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, Copenhagen University Hospital - Amager and Hvidovre, Denmark
| | - Barbara Juliane Holzknecht
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, Copenhagen University Hospital - Herlev and Gentofte, Herlev, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Peder Worning
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, Copenhagen University Hospital - Amager and Hvidovre, Denmark
| | - Karen Leth Nielsen
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | | | - Marianne Clausen
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, Slagelse University Hospital, Slagelse, Denmark
| | - Turid S Søndergaard
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, Sønderjylland Hospital, Aabenraa, Denmark
| | - Esad Dzajic
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, Hospital South West Jutland, Esbjerg, Denmark
| | - Claus Østergaard
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, Lillebaelt Hospital, Vejle, Denmark
| | - Mikala Wang
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Kristoffer Koch
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, Aalborg University Hospital, Aalborg, Denmark
| | - Henrik Hasman
- Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
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Jochim-Vukosavic A, Schwab F, Knegendorf L, Schlüter D, Bange FC, Ebadi E, Baier C. Epidemiology and infection control of vancomycin-resistant enterococci at a German university hospital: A three-year retrospective cohort study. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0297866. [PMID: 38408053 PMCID: PMC10896503 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0297866] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2023] [Accepted: 01/05/2024] [Indexed: 02/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) occur in hospitalized patients, causing both infection and colonization. In recent years, there has been an increase in VRE in German and other hospitals, raising the question of how to control this epidemic best. To better understand the specific epidemiology and to guide infection control, we conducted a retrospective cohort study analyzing all patients with VRE at Hannover Medical School, a tertiary university clinic in Germany that specializes in solid organ transplantation. Epidemiologic and clinical characteristics of patients with VRE from 2015-2017 were collected. Basic epidemiologic parameters, including VRE incidence and incidence density, were calculated. Independent risk factors for nosocomial VRE infection compared to colonization were assessed using a logistic regression model. There were 1,492 VRE cases corresponding to 822 individual patients. The incidence was 0.8 VRE cases per 100 cases. A total of 536 (35.9%) of the 1,492 VRE cases were acquired nosocomially. Of the 1,492 cases, 912 cases had VRE-positive samples (894 Enterococcus (E.) faecium and 18 E. faecalis) in our hospital laboratory and the remaining cases were known VRE carriers. The vanB-phenotype was observed in 369 of the 894 (41.3%) E. faecium isolates and in 6 of the 18 (33.3%) E. faecalis isolates. There was an increase over time in the vanB-phenotype proportion in E. faecium (2015: 63 of 171, 36.8%, 2016: 115 of 322, 35.7% and 2017: 191 of 401, 47.6%). A total of 107 cases had a VRE infection (7.2% of all VRE cases) according to the criteria of the German National Reference Center for Surveillance of Nosocomial Infections. The remaining cases were only colonized. Among other factors, leukocytopenia (<1,000/μL), the use of a central venous catheter and the visceral surgery medical specialty were independently associated with nosocomial VRE infection. VRE imposed a relevant and increasing infection control burden at our hospital. Nosocomial VRE infection was predominantly found in certain medical specialties, such as hematology and oncology and visceral surgery. Infection control efforts should focus on these highly affected patient groups/specialties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adrian Jochim-Vukosavic
- Hannover Medical School, Institute for Medical Microbiology and Hospital Epidemiology, Hannover, Germany
| | - Frank Schwab
- Institute of Hygiene and Environmental Medicine, Charité—University Medicine, Berlin, Germany
| | - Leonard Knegendorf
- Hannover Medical School, Institute for Medical Microbiology and Hospital Epidemiology, Hannover, Germany
| | - Dirk Schlüter
- Hannover Medical School, Institute for Medical Microbiology and Hospital Epidemiology, Hannover, Germany
| | - Franz-Christoph Bange
- Hannover Medical School, Institute for Medical Microbiology and Hospital Epidemiology, Hannover, Germany
| | - Ella Ebadi
- Hannover Medical School, Institute for Medical Microbiology and Hospital Epidemiology, Hannover, Germany
| | - Claas Baier
- Hannover Medical School, Institute for Medical Microbiology and Hospital Epidemiology, Hannover, Germany
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Caplunik-Pratsch A, Kieninger B, Donauer VA, Brauer JM, Meier VMK, Seisenberger C, Rath A, Loibl D, Eichner A, Fritsch J, Schneider-Brachert W. Introduction and spread of vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecium (VREfm) at a German tertiary care medical center from 2004 until 2010: a retrospective whole-genome sequencing (WGS) study of the molecular epidemiology of VREfm. Antimicrob Resist Infect Control 2024; 13:20. [PMID: 38355509 PMCID: PMC10865517 DOI: 10.1186/s13756-024-01379-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2023] [Accepted: 02/07/2024] [Indexed: 02/16/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In most of Europe and especially in Germany, there is currently a concerning rise in the number of hospital-acquired infections due to vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecium (VREfm). Therefore, there is a need to improve our understanding of the way VREfm spreads in hospitals. In this study, we investigated the molecular epidemiology of VREfm isolates from the first appearance at our university hospital in 2004 until 2010. There is only very scarce information about the molecular epidemiology of VREfm from this early time in Germany. METHODS Our analysis includes all available first VREfm isolates of each patient at our tertiary care center collected during the years 2004-2010. If available, additional consecutive VREfm isolates from some patients were analyzed. We used multilocus sequence typing (MLST) and core genome multilocus sequence typing (cgMLST) for the analysis and description of nosocomial transmission pathways as well as the detection of outbreaks. RESULTS VREfm isolates from 158 patients and 76 additional subsequent patient isolates were included in the analysis. Until 2006, detections of VREfm remained singular cases, followed by a peak in the number of VREfm cases in 2007 and 2008 with a subsequent decline to baseline in 2010. MLST and cgMLST analysis show significant changes in the dominant sequence types (STs) and complex types (CTs) over the study period, with ST192 and ST17 being responsible for the peak in VREfm cases in 2007 and 2008. The four largest clusters detected during the study period are comprised of these two STs. Cluster analysis shows a focus on specific wards and departments for each cluster. In the early years of this study (2004-2006), all analyzed VREfm stemmed from clinical specimens, whereas since 2007, approximately half of the VREfm were detected by screening. Of the 234 VREfm isolates analyzed, 96% had a vanB and only 4% had a vanA resistance genotype. CONCLUSIONS This retrospective study contributes significant knowledge about regional VREfm epidemiology from this early VREfm period in Germany. One remarkable finding is the striking dominance of vanB-positive VREfm isolates over the entire study period, which is in contrast with countrywide data. Analysis of cgMLST shows the transition from sporadic VRE cases at our institution to a sharp increase in VRE numbers triggered by oligoclonal spread and specific outbreak clusters with the dominance of ST192 and ST17.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aila Caplunik-Pratsch
- Department of Infection Prevention and Infectious Diseases, University Hospital Regensburg, Franz-Josef-Strauß-Allee 11, 93053, Regensburg, Germany.
| | - Bärbel Kieninger
- Department of Infection Prevention and Infectious Diseases, University Hospital Regensburg, Franz-Josef-Strauß-Allee 11, 93053, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Veronika A Donauer
- Department of Infection Prevention and Infectious Diseases, University Hospital Regensburg, Franz-Josef-Strauß-Allee 11, 93053, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Johanna M Brauer
- Department of Infection Prevention and Infectious Diseases, University Hospital Regensburg, Franz-Josef-Strauß-Allee 11, 93053, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Vanessa M K Meier
- Department of Infection Prevention and Infectious Diseases, University Hospital Regensburg, Franz-Josef-Strauß-Allee 11, 93053, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Corinna Seisenberger
- Department of Infection Prevention and Infectious Diseases, University Hospital Regensburg, Franz-Josef-Strauß-Allee 11, 93053, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Anca Rath
- Department of Infection Prevention and Infectious Diseases, University Hospital Regensburg, Franz-Josef-Strauß-Allee 11, 93053, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Daniel Loibl
- Department of Infection Prevention and Infectious Diseases, University Hospital Regensburg, Franz-Josef-Strauß-Allee 11, 93053, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Anja Eichner
- Department of Infection Prevention and Infectious Diseases, University Hospital Regensburg, Franz-Josef-Strauß-Allee 11, 93053, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Jürgen Fritsch
- Department of Infection Prevention and Infectious Diseases, University Hospital Regensburg, Franz-Josef-Strauß-Allee 11, 93053, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Wulf Schneider-Brachert
- Department of Infection Prevention and Infectious Diseases, University Hospital Regensburg, Franz-Josef-Strauß-Allee 11, 93053, Regensburg, Germany
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Lehmkuhl J, Schneider JS, Werth KLV, Scherff N, Mellmann A, Kampmeier S. Role of membrane vesicles in the transmission of vancomycin resistance in Enterococcus faecium. Sci Rep 2024; 14:1895. [PMID: 38253607 PMCID: PMC10803344 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-52310-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2023] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Clonal transmission and horizontal gene transfer (HGT) contribute to the spread of vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) in global healthcare. Our study investigated vesiduction, a HGT mechanism via membrane vesicles (MVs), for vanA and vanB genes that determine vancomycin resistance. We isolated MVs for VRE of different sequence types (STs) and analysed them by nanoparticle tracking analysis. Selected MV samples were subjected to DNA sequence analysis. In resistance transfer experiments, vancomycin-susceptible enterococci were exposed to MVs and bacterial supernatants of VRE. Compared to bacteria grown in lysogeny broth (MVs/LB), cultivation under vancomycin stress (MVs/VAN) resulted in increased particle concentrations of up to 139-fold (ST80). As a key finding, we could show that VRE isolates of ST80 and ST117 produced remarkably more vesicles at subinhibitory antibiotic concentrations (approx. 9.2 × 1011 particles/ml for ST80 and 2.4 × 1011 particles/ml for ST117) than enterococci of other STs (range between 1.8 × 1010 and 5.3 × 1010 particles/ml). In those MV samples, the respective resistance genes vanA and vanB were completely verifiable using sequence analysis. Nevertheless, no vancomycin resistance transfer via MVs to vancomycin-susceptible Enterococcus faecium was phenotypically detectable. However, our results outline the potential of future research on ST-specific MV properties, promising new insights into VRE mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johanna Lehmkuhl
- Institute of Hygiene, University Hospital Münster, 48149, Münster, Germany
| | | | | | - Natalie Scherff
- Institute of Hygiene, University Hospital Münster, 48149, Münster, Germany
| | - Alexander Mellmann
- Institute of Hygiene, University Hospital Münster, 48149, Münster, Germany
| | - Stefanie Kampmeier
- Institute of Hygiene, University Hospital Münster, 48149, Münster, Germany.
- Institute for Hygiene and Microbiology, University of Würzburg, 97080, Würzburg, Germany.
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5
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AL Rubaye M, Janice J, Bjørnholt JV, Kacelnik O, Haldorsen BC, Nygaard RM, Hegstad J, Sundsfjord A, Hegstad K. The population structure of vancomycin-resistant and -susceptible Enterococcus faecium in a low-prevalence antimicrobial resistance setting is highly influenced by circulating global hospital-associated clones. Microb Genom 2023; 9:001160. [PMID: 38112685 PMCID: PMC10763505 DOI: 10.1099/mgen.0.001160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2023] [Accepted: 12/01/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Between 2010 and 2015 the incidence of vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecium (VREfm) in Norway increased dramatically. Hence, we selected (1) a random subset of vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) from the Norwegian Surveillance System for Communicable Diseases (2010-15; n=239) and (2) Norwegian vancomycin-susceptible E. faecium (VSEfm) bacteraemia isolates from the national surveillance system for antimicrobial resistance in microbes (2008 and 2014; n=261) for further analysis. Whole-genome sequences were collected for population structure, van gene cluster, mobile genetic element and virulome analysis, as well as antimicrobial susceptibility testing. Comparative genomic and phylogeographical analyses were performed with complete genomes of global E. faecium strains from the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) (1946-2022; n=272). All Norwegian VREfm and most of the VSEfm clustered with global hospital-associated sequence types (STs) in the phylogenetic subclade A1. The vanB2 subtype carried by chromosomal Tn1549 integrative conjugative elements was the dominant van type. The major Norwegian VREfm cluster types (CTs) were in accordance with concurrent European CTs. The dominant vanB-type VREfm CTs, ST192-CT3/26 and ST117-CT24, were mostly linked to a single hospital in Norway where the clones spread after independent chromosomal acquisition of Tn1549. The less prevalent vanA VRE were associated with more diverse CTs and vanA carrying Inc18 or RepA_N plasmids with toxin-antitoxin systems. Only 5 % of the Norwegian VRE were Enterococcus faecalis, all of which contained vanB. The Norwegian VREfm and VSEfm isolates harboured CT-specific virulence factor (VF) profiles supporting biofilm formation and colonization. The dominant VREfm CTs in general hosted more virulence determinants than VSEfm. The phylogenetic clade B VSEfm isolates (n=21), recently classified as Enterococcus lactis, harboured fewer VFs than E. faecium in general, and particularly subclade A1 isolates. In conclusion, the population structure of Norwegian E. faecium isolates mirrors the globally prevalent clones and particularly concurrent European VREfm/VSEfm CTs. Novel chromosomal acquisition of vanB2 on Tn1549 from the gut microbiota, however, formed a single major hospital VREfm outbreak. Dominant VREfm CTs contained more VFs than VSEfm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mushtaq AL Rubaye
- Research group for Host–Microbe Interactions, Department of Medical Biology, UiT The Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway
| | - Jessin Janice
- Research group for Host–Microbe Interactions, Department of Medical Biology, UiT The Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway
- Norwegian National Advisory Unit on Detection of Antimicrobial Resistance, Department of Microbiology and Infection Control, University Hospital of North Norway, Tromsø, Norway
- Present address: Section for development, Department of Microbiology, Clinic for Laboratory Medicine, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Jørgen Vildershøj Bjørnholt
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Oliver Kacelnik
- Department of Antibiotic Resistance and Infection Prevention, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
| | - Bjørg C. Haldorsen
- Norwegian National Advisory Unit on Detection of Antimicrobial Resistance, Department of Microbiology and Infection Control, University Hospital of North Norway, Tromsø, Norway
| | - Randi M. Nygaard
- Department of Microbiology, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
| | - Joachim Hegstad
- Department of Microbiology and Infection Control, University Hospital of North Norway, Tromsø, Norway
| | - Arnfinn Sundsfjord
- Research group for Host–Microbe Interactions, Department of Medical Biology, UiT The Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway
- Norwegian National Advisory Unit on Detection of Antimicrobial Resistance, Department of Microbiology and Infection Control, University Hospital of North Norway, Tromsø, Norway
| | - Kristin Hegstad
- Research group for Host–Microbe Interactions, Department of Medical Biology, UiT The Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway
- Norwegian National Advisory Unit on Detection of Antimicrobial Resistance, Department of Microbiology and Infection Control, University Hospital of North Norway, Tromsø, Norway
| | - the Norwegian VRE study group
- Research group for Host–Microbe Interactions, Department of Medical Biology, UiT The Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway
- Norwegian National Advisory Unit on Detection of Antimicrobial Resistance, Department of Microbiology and Infection Control, University Hospital of North Norway, Tromsø, Norway
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
- Department of Antibiotic Resistance and Infection Prevention, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
- Department of Microbiology, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
- Department of Microbiology and Infection Control, University Hospital of North Norway, Tromsø, Norway
- Present address: Section for development, Department of Microbiology, Clinic for Laboratory Medicine, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
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6
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Neidhöfer C, Neuenhoff M, Jozič R, Atangcho B, Unsleber S, Neder U, Grumaz S, Parčina M. Exploring clonality and virulence gene associations in bloodstream infections using whole-genome sequencing and clinical data. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2023; 13:1274573. [PMID: 38035332 PMCID: PMC10682671 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2023.1274573] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2023] [Accepted: 09/18/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Bloodstream infections (BSIs) remain a significant cause of mortality worldwide. Causative pathogens are routinely identified and susceptibility tested but only very rarely investigated for their resistance genes, virulence factors, and clonality. Our aim was to gain insight into the clonality patterns of different species causing BSI and the clinical relevance of distinct virulence genes. Methods For this study, we whole-genome-sequenced over 400 randomly selected important pathogens isolated from blood cultures in our diagnostic department between 2016 and 2021. Genomic data on virulence factors, resistance genes, and clonality were cross-linked with in-vitro data and demographic and clinical information. Results The investigation yielded extensive and informative data on the distribution of genes implicated in BSI as well as on the clonality of isolates across various species. Conclusion Associations between survival outcomes and the presence of specific genes must be interpreted with caution, and conducting replication studies with larger sample sizes for each species appears mandatory. Likewise, a deeper knowledge of virulence and host factors will aid in the interpretation of results and might lead to more targeted therapeutic and preventive measures. Monitoring transmission dynamics more efficiently holds promise to serve as a valuable tool in preventing in particular BSI caused by nosocomial pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudio Neidhöfer
- Institute of Medical Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology. University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
- Institute of Experimental Haematology and Transfusion Medicine, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Marcel Neuenhoff
- Bioinformatics and Systems Biology, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Robert Jozič
- Institute of Medical Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology. University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Brenda Atangcho
- Institute of Medical Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology. University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
- Institute for Functional Gene Analytics, Bonn-Rhein-Sieg University of Applied Sciences, Sankt Augustin, Germany
| | | | | | | | - Marijo Parčina
- Institute of Medical Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology. University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
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Bezdicek M, Hanslikova J, Nykrynova M, Dufkova K, Kocmanova I, Kubackova P, Mayer J, Lengerova M. New Multilocus Sequence Typing Scheme for Enterococcus faecium Based on Whole Genome Sequencing Data. Microbiol Spectr 2023; 11:e0510722. [PMID: 37306567 PMCID: PMC10434285 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.05107-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2022] [Accepted: 05/24/2023] [Indexed: 06/13/2023] Open
Abstract
The MLST scheme currently used for Enterococcus faecium typing was designed in 2002 and is based on putative gene functions and Enterococcus faecalis gene sequences available at that time. As a result, the original MLST scheme does not correspond to the real genetic relatedness of E. faecium strains and often clusters genetically distant strains to the same sequence types (ST). Nevertheless, typing has a significant impact on the subsequent epidemiological conclusions and introduction of appropriate epidemiological measures, thus it is crucial to use a more accurate MLST scheme. Based on the genome analysis of 1,843 E. faecium isolates, a new scheme, consisting of 8 highly discriminative loci, was created in this study. These strains were divided into 421 STs using the new MLST scheme, as opposed to 223 STs assigned by the original MLST scheme. The proposed MLST has a discriminatory power of D = 0.983 (CI95% 0.981 to 0.984), compared to the original scheme's D = 0.919 (CI95% 0.911 to 0.927). Moreover, we identified new clonal complexes with our newly designed MLST scheme. The scheme proposed here is available within the PubMLST database. Although whole genome sequencing availability has increased rapidly, MLST remains an integral part of clinical epidemiology, mainly due to its high standardization and excellent robustness. In this study, we proposed and validated a new MLST scheme for E. faecium, which is based on genome-wide data and thus reflects the tested isolates' more accurate genetic similarity. IMPORTANCE Enterococcus faecium is one of the most important pathogens causing health care associated infections. One of the main reasons for its clinical importance is a rapidly spreading resistance to vancomycin and linezolid, which significantly complicates antibiotic treatment of infections caused by such resistant strains. Monitoring the spread and relationships between resistant strains causing severe conditions represents an important tool for implementing appropriate preventive measures. Therefore, there is an urgent need to establish a robust method enabling strain monitoring and comparison at the local, national, and global level. Unfortunately, the current, extensively used MLST scheme does not reflect the real genetic relatedness between individual strains and thus does not provide sufficient discriminatory power. This can lead directly to incorrect epidemiological measures due to insufficient accuracy and biased results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matej Bezdicek
- Department of Internal Medicine - Haematology and Oncology, University Hospital Brno, Brno, Czech Republic
- Department of Internal Medicine - Haematology and Oncology, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Jana Hanslikova
- Department of Internal Medicine - Haematology and Oncology, University Hospital Brno, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Marketa Nykrynova
- Department of Internal Medicine - Haematology and Oncology, University Hospital Brno, Brno, Czech Republic
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Brno University of Technology, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Kristyna Dufkova
- Department of Internal Medicine - Haematology and Oncology, University Hospital Brno, Brno, Czech Republic
- Department of Internal Medicine - Haematology and Oncology, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Iva Kocmanova
- Department of Clinical Microbiology and Immunology, University Hospital Brno, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Petra Kubackova
- Department of Clinical Microbiology and Immunology, University Hospital Brno, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Jiri Mayer
- Department of Internal Medicine - Haematology and Oncology, University Hospital Brno, Brno, Czech Republic
- Department of Internal Medicine - Haematology and Oncology, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Martina Lengerova
- Department of Internal Medicine - Haematology and Oncology, University Hospital Brno, Brno, Czech Republic
- Department of Internal Medicine - Haematology and Oncology, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
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8
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Occult Vancomycin-Resistant Enterococcus faecium ST117 Displaying a Highly Mutated vanB2 Operon. Antibiotics (Basel) 2023; 12:antibiotics12030476. [PMID: 36978343 PMCID: PMC10044008 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics12030476] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2023] [Revised: 02/17/2023] [Accepted: 02/23/2023] [Indexed: 03/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Rare information is available on clinical Enterococcus faecium encountered in Sardinia, Italy. This study investigated the antimicrobial susceptibility profiles and genotypic characteristics of E. faecium isolated at the University Hospital of Sassari, Italy, using the Vitek2 system and PCR, MLST, or WGS. Vitek2 revealed two VanB-type vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecium (VREfm) isolates (MICs mg/L = 8 and ≥32) but failed to detect vancomycin resistance in one isolate (MIC mg/L ≤ 1) despite positive genotypic confirmation of vanB gene, which proved to be vancomycin resistant by additional phenotypic methods (MICs mg/L = 8). This vanB isolate was able to increase its vancomycin MIC after exposure to vancomycin, unlike the “classic” occult vanB-carrying E. faecium, becoming detectable by Vitek 2 (MICs mg/L ≥ 32). All three E. faecium had highly mutated vanB2 operons, as part of a chromosomally integrated Tn1549 transposon, with common missense mutations in VanH and VanB2 resistance proteins and specific missense mutations in the VanW accessory protein. There were additional missense mutations in VanS, VanH, and VanB proteins in the vanB2-carrying VREfm isolates compared to Vitek2. The molecular typing revealed a polyclonal hospital-associated E. faecium population from Clade A1, and that vanB2-VREfm, and nearly half of vancomycin-susceptible E. faecium (VSEfm) analyzed, belonged to ST117. Based on core genome-MLST, ST117 strains had different clonal types (CT), excluding nosocomial transmission of specific CT. Detecting vanB2-carrying VREfm isolates by Vitek2 may be problematic, and alternative methods are needed to prevent therapeutic failure and spread.
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Maechler F, Weber A, Schwengers O, Schwab F, Denkel L, Behnke M, Gastmeier P, Kola A. Split k-mer analysis compared to cgMLST and SNP-based core genome analysis for detecting transmission of vancomycin-resistant enterococci: results from routine outbreak analyses across different hospitals and hospitals networks in Berlin, Germany. Microb Genom 2023; 9:mgen000937. [PMID: 36748706 PMCID: PMC9973845 DOI: 10.1099/mgen.0.000937] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
The increase of Vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecium (VREfm) in recent years has been partially attributed to the rise of specific clonal lineages, which have been identified throughout Germany. To date, there is no gold standard for the interpretation of genomic data for outbreak analyses. New genomic approaches such as split k-mer analysis (SKA) could support cluster attribution for routine outbreak investigation. The aim of this project was to investigate frequent clonal lineages of VREfm identified during suspected outbreaks across different hospitals, and to compare genomic approaches including SKA in routine outbreak investigation. We used routine outbreak laboratory data from seven hospitals and three different hospital networks in Berlin, Germany. Short-read libraries were sequenced on the Illumina MiSeq system. We determined clusters using the published Enterococcus faecium-cgMLST scheme (threshold ≤20 alleles), and assigned sequence and complex types (ST, CT), using the Ridom SeqSphere+ software. For each cluster as determined by cgMLST, we used pairwise core-genome SNP-analysis and SKA at thresholds of ten and seven SNPs, respectively, to further distinguish cgMLST clusters. In order to investigate clinical relevance, we analysed to what extent epidemiological linkage backed the clusters determined with different genomic approaches. Between 2014 and 2021, we sequenced 693 VREfm strains, and 644 (93 %) were associated within cgMLST clusters. More than 74 % (n=475) of the strains belonged to the six largest cgMLST clusters, comprising ST117, ST78 and ST80. All six clusters were detected across several years and hospitals without apparent epidemiological links. Core SNP analysis identified 44 clusters with a median cluster size of three isolates (IQR 2-7, min-max 2-63), as well as 197 singletons (41.4 % of 475 isolates). SKA identified 67 clusters with a median cluster size of two isolates (IQR 2-4, min-max 2-19), and 261 singletons (54.9 % of 475 isolates). Of the isolate pairs attributed to clusters, 7 % (n=3064/45 596) of pairs in clusters determined by standard cgMLST, 15 % (n=1222/8500) of pairs in core SNP-clusters and 51 % (n=942/1880) of pairs in SKA-clusters showed epidemiological linkage. The proportion of epidemiological linkage differed between sequence types. For VREfm, the discriminative ability of the widely used cgMLST based approach at ≤20 alleles difference was insufficient to rule out hospital outbreaks without further analytical methods. Cluster assignment guided by core genome SNP analysis and the reference free SKA was more discriminative and correlated better with obvious epidemiological linkage, at least recently published thresholds (ten and seven SNPs, respectively) and for frequent STs. Besides higher overall discriminative power, the whole-genome approach implemented in SKA is also easier and faster to conduct and requires less computational resources.
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Affiliation(s)
- Friederike Maechler
- Institute of Hygiene and Environmental Medicine, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Anna Weber
- Institute of Hygiene and Environmental Medicine, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Oliver Schwengers
- Bioinformatics and Systems Biology, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Frank Schwab
- Institute of Hygiene and Environmental Medicine, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Luisa Denkel
- Institute of Hygiene and Environmental Medicine, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Michael Behnke
- Institute of Hygiene and Environmental Medicine, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Petra Gastmeier
- Institute of Hygiene and Environmental Medicine, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Axel Kola
- Institute of Hygiene and Environmental Medicine, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
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10
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Rohde AM, Walker S, Behnke M, Eisenbeis S, Falgenhauer L, Falgenhauer JC, Häcker G, Hölzl F, Imirzalioglu C, Käding N, Kern WV, Kola A, Kramme E, Mischnik A, Peter S, Rieg S, Rupp J, Schneider C, Schwab F, Seifert H, Tacconelli E, Tobys D, Trauth J, Weber A, Xanthopoulou K, Zweigner J, Higgins PG, Gastmeier P. Vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecium: admission prevalence, sequence types and risk factors-a cross-sectional study in seven German university hospitals from 2014 to 2018. Clin Microbiol Infect 2022; 29:515-522. [PMID: 36481293 DOI: 10.1016/j.cmi.2022.11.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2022] [Revised: 11/11/2022] [Accepted: 11/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Assessment of vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecium (VREfm) prevalence upon hospital admission and analysis of risk factors for colonization. METHODS From 2014 to 2018, patients were recruited within 72 hours of admission to seven participating German university hospitals, screened for VREfm and questioned for potential risk factors (prior multidrug-resistant organism detection, current/prior antibiotic consumption, prior hospital, rehabilitation or long-term care facility stay, international travel, animal contact and proton pump inhibitor [PPI]/antacid therapy). Genotype analysis was done using cgMLST typing. Multivariable analysis was performed. RESULTS In 5 years, 265 of 17,349 included patients were colonized with VREfm (a prevalence of 1.5%). Risk factors for VREfm colonization were age (adjusted OR [aOR], 1.02; 95% CI, 1.01-1.03), previous (aOR, 2.71; 95% CI, 1.87-3.92) or current (aOR, 2.91; 95% CI, 2.60-3.24) antibiotic treatment, prior multidrug-resistant organism detection (aOR, 2.83; 95% CI, 2.21-3.63), prior stay in a long-term care facility (aOR, 2.19; 95% CI, 1.62-2.97), prior stay in a hospital (aOR, 2.91; 95% CI, 2.05-4.13) and prior consumption of PPI/antacids (aOR, 1.29; 95% CI, 1.18-1.41). Overall, the VREfm admission prevalence increased by 33% each year and 2% each year of life. 250 of 265 isolates were genotyped and 141 (53.2%) of the VREfm were the emerging ST117. Multivariable analysis showed that ST117 and non-ST117 VREfm colonized patients differed with respect to admission year and prior multidrug-resistant organism detection. DISCUSSION Age, healthcare contacts and antibiotic and PPI/antacid consumption increase the individual risk of VREfm colonization. The VREfm admission prevalence increase in Germany is mainly driven by the emergence of ST117.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna M Rohde
- German Centre for Infection Research (DZIF), Braunschweig, Germany; Institute for Hygiene and Environmental Medicine, Charité-University Medicine Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany.
| | - Sarah Walker
- German Centre for Infection Research (DZIF), Braunschweig, Germany; Institute for Medical Microbiology, Immunology and Hygiene, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Michael Behnke
- German Centre for Infection Research (DZIF), Braunschweig, Germany; Institute for Hygiene and Environmental Medicine, Charité-University Medicine Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
| | - Simone Eisenbeis
- German Centre for Infection Research (DZIF), Braunschweig, Germany; Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine 1, University Hospital Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Linda Falgenhauer
- German Centre for Infection Research (DZIF), Braunschweig, Germany; Institute of Hygiene and Environmental Medicine, Justus Liebig University, Giessen, Germany
| | - Jane C Falgenhauer
- German Centre for Infection Research (DZIF), Braunschweig, Germany; Institute of Medical Microbiology, Justus Liebig University, Giessen, Germany
| | - Georg Häcker
- German Centre for Infection Research (DZIF), Braunschweig, Germany; Institute for Medical Microbiology and Hygiene, University Medical Centre Freiburg, University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Florian Hölzl
- German Centre for Infection Research (DZIF), Braunschweig, Germany; Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine 1, University Hospital Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany; Institute of Medical Microbiology and Hygiene, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Can Imirzalioglu
- German Centre for Infection Research (DZIF), Braunschweig, Germany; Institute of Medical Microbiology, Justus Liebig University, Giessen, Germany
| | - Nadja Käding
- German Centre for Infection Research (DZIF), Braunschweig, Germany; Department of Infectious Diseases and Microbiology, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein/Campus, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Winfried V Kern
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine II, University Medical Centre and Faculty of Medicine, Albert-Ludwigs-University, Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Axel Kola
- German Centre for Infection Research (DZIF), Braunschweig, Germany; Institute for Hygiene and Environmental Medicine, Charité-University Medicine Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
| | - Evelyn Kramme
- German Centre for Infection Research (DZIF), Braunschweig, Germany; Department of Infectious Diseases and Microbiology, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein/Campus, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Alexander Mischnik
- German Centre for Infection Research (DZIF), Braunschweig, Germany; Department of Infectious Diseases and Microbiology, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein/Campus, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Silke Peter
- German Centre for Infection Research (DZIF), Braunschweig, Germany; Institute of Medical Microbiology and Hygiene, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Siegbert Rieg
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine II, University Medical Centre and Faculty of Medicine, Albert-Ludwigs-University, Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Jan Rupp
- German Centre for Infection Research (DZIF), Braunschweig, Germany; Department of Infectious Diseases and Microbiology, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein/Campus, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Christian Schneider
- German Centre for Infection Research (DZIF), Braunschweig, Germany; Institute for Medical Microbiology and Hygiene, University Medical Centre Freiburg, University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Frank Schwab
- German Centre for Infection Research (DZIF), Braunschweig, Germany; Institute for Hygiene and Environmental Medicine, Charité-University Medicine Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
| | - Harald Seifert
- German Centre for Infection Research (DZIF), Braunschweig, Germany; Institute for Medical Microbiology, Immunology and Hygiene, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Evelina Tacconelli
- German Centre for Infection Research (DZIF), Braunschweig, Germany; Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine 1, University Hospital Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - David Tobys
- German Centre for Infection Research (DZIF), Braunschweig, Germany; Institute for Medical Microbiology, Immunology and Hygiene, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Janina Trauth
- German Centre for Infection Research (DZIF), Braunschweig, Germany; Department of Internal Medicine (Infectiology), Uniklinikum, Giessen, Germany
| | - Anna Weber
- German Centre for Infection Research (DZIF), Braunschweig, Germany; Institute for Hygiene and Environmental Medicine, Charité-University Medicine Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
| | - Kyriaki Xanthopoulou
- German Centre for Infection Research (DZIF), Braunschweig, Germany; Institute for Medical Microbiology, Immunology and Hygiene, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Janine Zweigner
- German Centre for Infection Research (DZIF), Braunschweig, Germany; Department of Hospital Hygiene and Infection Control, University Hospital Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Paul G Higgins
- German Centre for Infection Research (DZIF), Braunschweig, Germany; Institute for Medical Microbiology, Immunology and Hygiene, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Petra Gastmeier
- German Centre for Infection Research (DZIF), Braunschweig, Germany; Institute for Hygiene and Environmental Medicine, Charité-University Medicine Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
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11
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Bender JK, Hermes J, Zabel LT, Haller S, Mürter N, Blank HP, Werner G, Hüttner I, Eckmanns T. Controlling an Unprecedented Outbreak with Vancomycin-Resistant Enterococcus faecium in Germany, October 2015 to November 2019. Microorganisms 2022; 10:1603. [PMID: 36014021 PMCID: PMC9412439 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms10081603] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2022] [Revised: 08/03/2022] [Accepted: 08/03/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Hospital outbreaks with vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) pose a serious health threat and a challenge to infection prevention and control (IPC). We herein report on a VRE outbreak of unprecedented extent in Southern Germany (October 2015-November 2019). We used descriptive epidemiology and whole-genome sequencing (WGS) for a detailed outbreak investigation. Of the 2905 cases, 2776 (95.3%) were colonized, whereas from 127 (3.7%), VRE could be isolated from otherwise sterile body fluids or sites unlikely for enterococci colonization. Cases had a median age of 78 years (IQR 68-84) and 1339/2905 (46%) were female. The majority of isolates sequenced belonged to the clonal lineage ST80/CT1013 (212/397, 53%). Nosocomial transmission was observed as well as the constant import of VRE into the hospital. Extensive IPC measures were implemented and terminated the outbreak in late 2019, eventually. Our study shows that the combination of epidemiological and genomic analyses is indispensable for comprehensive outbreak investigations. The adaptation of IPC measures to these findings, their timely implementation, and strict execution also allow containment of large VRE outbreaks in hospital settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer K. Bender
- Nosocomial Pathogens and Antibiotic Resistances Unit, Department of Infectious Diseases, Robert Koch Institute, 38855 Wernigerode, Germany
| | - Julia Hermes
- Healthcare-Associated Infections, Surveillance of Antibiotic Resistance and Consumption Unit, Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Robert Koch Institute, 13353 Berlin, Germany
| | | | - Sebastian Haller
- Healthcare-Associated Infections, Surveillance of Antibiotic Resistance and Consumption Unit, Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Robert Koch Institute, 13353 Berlin, Germany
| | - Nadja Mürter
- Local Health Authority Göppingen, 73033 Göppingen, Germany
| | | | - Guido Werner
- Nosocomial Pathogens and Antibiotic Resistances Unit, Department of Infectious Diseases, Robert Koch Institute, 38855 Wernigerode, Germany
| | - Ingo Hüttner
- Alb Fils Kliniken GmbH, 73035 Göppingen, Germany
| | - Tim Eckmanns
- Healthcare-Associated Infections, Surveillance of Antibiotic Resistance and Consumption Unit, Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Robert Koch Institute, 13353 Berlin, Germany
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12
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Boumasmoud M, Dengler Haunreiter V, Schweizer TA, Meyer L, Chakrakodi B, Schreiber PW, Seidl K, Kühnert D, Kouyos RD, Zinkernagel AS. Genomic Surveillance of Vancomycin-Resistant Enterococcus faecium Reveals Spread of a Linear Plasmid Conferring a Nutrient Utilization Advantage. mBio 2022; 13:e0377121. [PMID: 35343787 PMCID: PMC9040824 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.03771-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2022] [Accepted: 02/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Healthcare-associated outbreaks of vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecium (VREfm) are a worldwide problem with increasing prevalence. The genomic plasticity of this hospital-adapted pathogen contributes to its efficient spread despite infection control measures. Here, we aimed to identify the genomic and phenotypic determinants of health care-associated transmission of VREfm. We assessed the VREfm transmission networks at the tertiary-care University Hospital of Zurich (USZ) between October 2014 and February 2018 and investigated microevolutionary dynamics of this pathogen. We performed whole-genome sequencing for the 69 VREfm isolates collected during this time frame and assessed the population structure and variability of the vancomycin resistance transposon. Phylogenomic analysis allowed us to reconstruct transmission networks and to unveil external or wider transmission networks undetectable by routine surveillance. Notably, it unveiled a persistent clone, sampled 31 times over a 29-month period. Exploring the evolutionary dynamics of this clone and characterizing the phenotypic consequences revealed the spread of a variant with decreased daptomycin susceptibility and the acquired ability to utilize N-acetyl-galactosamine (GalNAc), one of the primary constituents of the human gut mucins. This nutrient utilization advantage was conferred by a novel plasmid, termed pELF_USZ, which exhibited a linear topology. This plasmid, which was harbored by two distinct clones, was transferable by conjugation. Overall, this work highlights the potential of combining epidemiological, functional genomic, and evolutionary perspectives to unveil adaptation strategies of VREfm. IMPORTANCE Sequencing microbial pathogens causing outbreaks has become a common practice to characterize transmission networks. In addition to the signal provided by vertical evolution, bacterial genomes harbor mobile genetic elements shared horizontally between clones. While macroevolutionary studies have revealed an important role of plasmids and genes encoding carbohydrate utilization systems in the adaptation of Enterococcus faecium to the hospital environment, mechanisms of dissemination and the specific function of many of these genetic determinants remain to be elucidated. Here, we characterize a plasmid providing a nutrient utilization advantage and show evidence for its clonal and horizontal spread at a local scale. Further studies integrating epidemiological, functional genomics, and evolutionary perspectives will be critical to identify changes shaping the success of this pathogen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mathilde Boumasmoud
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Hospital Epidemiology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Vanina Dengler Haunreiter
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Hospital Epidemiology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Tiziano A. Schweizer
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Hospital Epidemiology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Lilly Meyer
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Hospital Epidemiology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Bhavya Chakrakodi
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Hospital Epidemiology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Peter W. Schreiber
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Hospital Epidemiology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Kati Seidl
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Hospital Epidemiology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Denise Kühnert
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Hospital Epidemiology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Roger D. Kouyos
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Hospital Epidemiology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Annelies S. Zinkernagel
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Hospital Epidemiology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
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13
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Lu Q, Zhang W, Luo L, Wang H, Shao H, Zhang T, Luo Q. Genetic diversity and multidrug resistance of phylogenic groups B2 and D in InPEC and ExPEC isolated from chickens in Central China. BMC Microbiol 2022; 22:60. [PMID: 35180845 PMCID: PMC8855568 DOI: 10.1186/s12866-022-02469-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2021] [Accepted: 02/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Avian colibacillosis is an infectious bacterial disease caused by avian pathogenic Escherichia coli (APEC). APEC causes a wide variety of intestinal and extraintestinal infections, including InPEC and ExPEC, which result in enormous losses in the poultry industry. In this study, we investigated the prevalence of InPEC and ExPEC in Central China, and the isolates were characterized using molecular approaches and tested for virulence factors and antibiotic resistance. RESULTS A total of 200 chicken-derived E. coli isolates were collected for study from 2019 and 2020. The prevalence of B2 and D phylogenic groups in the 200 chicken-derived E. coli was verified by triplex PCR, which accounted for 50.53% (48/95) and 9.52% (10/105) in ExPEC and InPEC, respectively. Additionally, multilocus sequence typing method was used to examine the genetic diversity of these E. coli isolates, which showed that the dominant STs of ExPEC included ST117 (n = 10, 20.83%), ST297 (n = 5, 10.42%), ST93 (n = 4, 8.33%), ST1426 (n = 4, 8.33%) and ST10 (n = 3, 6.25%), while the dominant ST of InPEC was ST117 (n = 2, 20%). Furthermore, antimicrobial susceptibility tests of 16 antibiotics for those strains were conducted. The result showed that more than 60% of the ExPEC and InPEC were resistant to streptomycin and nalidixic acid. Among these streptomycin resistant isolates (n = 49), 99.76% harbored aminoglycoside resistance gene strA, and 63.27% harbored strB. Among these nalidixic acid resistant isolates (n = 38), 94.74% harbored a S83L mutation in gyrA, and 44.74% harbored a D87N mutation in gyrA. Moreover, the prevalence of multidrug-resistant (MDR) in the isolates of ExPEC and InPEC was 31.25% (15/48) and 20% (2/10), respectively. Alarmingly, 8.33% (4/48) of the ExPEC and 20% (2/10) of the InPEC were extensively drug-resistant (XDR). Finally, the presence of 13 virulence-associated genes was checked in these isolates, which over 95% of the ExPEC and InPEC strains harbored irp2, feoB, fimH, ompT, ompA. 10.42% of the ExPEC and 10% of the InPEC were positive for kpsM. Only ExPEC isolates carried ibeA gene, and the rate was 4.17%. All tested strains were negative to LT and cnf genes. The carrying rate of iss and iutA were significantly different between the InPEC and ExPEC isolates (P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report on the highly pathogenic groups of InPEC and ExPEC in Central China. We find that 50.53% (48/95) of the ExPEC belong to the D/B2 phylogenic group. The emergence of XDR and MDR strains and potential virulence genes may indicate the complicated treatment of the infections caused by APEC. This study will improve our understanding of the prevalence and pathogenicity of APEC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qin Lu
- Key Laboratory of Prevention and Control Agents for Animal Bacteriosis (Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs), Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary, Hubei Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Wuhan, 430064, China.,Hubei Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Pathogenic Microbiology, Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary, Hubei Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Wuhan, 430064, China
| | - Wenting Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Prevention and Control Agents for Animal Bacteriosis (Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs), Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary, Hubei Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Wuhan, 430064, China.,Hubei Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Pathogenic Microbiology, Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary, Hubei Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Wuhan, 430064, China
| | - Ling Luo
- Key Laboratory of Prevention and Control Agents for Animal Bacteriosis (Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs), Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary, Hubei Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Wuhan, 430064, China.,Hubei Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Pathogenic Microbiology, Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary, Hubei Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Wuhan, 430064, China
| | - Honglin Wang
- Key Laboratory of Prevention and Control Agents for Animal Bacteriosis (Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs), Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary, Hubei Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Wuhan, 430064, China.,Hubei Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Pathogenic Microbiology, Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary, Hubei Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Wuhan, 430064, China
| | - Huabin Shao
- Key Laboratory of Prevention and Control Agents for Animal Bacteriosis (Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs), Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary, Hubei Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Wuhan, 430064, China.,Hubei Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Pathogenic Microbiology, Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary, Hubei Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Wuhan, 430064, China
| | - Tengfei Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Prevention and Control Agents for Animal Bacteriosis (Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs), Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary, Hubei Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Wuhan, 430064, China. .,Hubei Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Pathogenic Microbiology, Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary, Hubei Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Wuhan, 430064, China.
| | - Qingping Luo
- Key Laboratory of Prevention and Control Agents for Animal Bacteriosis (Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs), Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary, Hubei Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Wuhan, 430064, China. .,Hubei Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Pathogenic Microbiology, Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary, Hubei Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Wuhan, 430064, China.
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14
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Eichel VM, Boutin S, Frank U, Weigand MA, Heininger A, Mutters NT, Büchler MW, Heeg K, Nurjadi D. The Impact of Discontinuing Contact Precautions and Enforcement of Basic Hygiene Measures on Nosocomial Vancomycin-Resistant Enterococcus faecium Transmission. J Hosp Infect 2021; 121:120-127. [PMID: 34861314 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhin.2021.11.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2021] [Revised: 11/17/2021] [Accepted: 11/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecium (VREfm) has emerged as a pathogen of major public health concern. Although definitive evidence is lacking, contact precautions have been a crucial element in infection prevention and control (IPC) strategies designed to limit nosocomial VRE transmissions. This study investigates the effect of discontinuing contact precautions while enforcing basic hygiene measures, including hand hygiene, environmental cleaning, and antiseptic body washing, for VRE patients at ICUs on prevention of nosocomial VRE transmission causing bacteraemia. METHODS Contact precaution was discontinued in January 2018. A total of 96 VREfm isolates from 61 ICU patients with VREfm bacteraemia and/or colonization from 8 ICUs in 2016 and 2019 in a tertiary care hospital were characterized by whole genome sequenicng. VRE transmission was investigated using patient movement data and admission screening for reliable identification of nosocomial acquisition. RESULTS Discontinuation of contact precautions did not increase VREfm transmission events (8 in 2016 vs 1 in 2019). While the rate of endogenous VREfm was similar in both years (38% vs 31%), the number of non-colonized patients prior to VREfm bacteraemia was 16 (16/29; 55%) in 2019, which was significantly higher than in 2016 (8/32; 25%). The mean incidence density for VREfm bacteraemia was similar for both years; 0.26 versus 0.31 per 1000 patient days in 2016 and 2019, respectively. CONCLUSION Our data suggest that discontinuation of contact precaution, while enforcing the basic hygiene measures did not lead to an increase of nosocomial bloodstream infection rates due to transmissions of VREfm in hyperendemic ICU settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vanessa M Eichel
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Medical Microbiology and Hygiene, Heidelberg University Hospital, Im Neuenheimer Feld 324, D-69120 Heidelberg, Germany.
| | - Sébastien Boutin
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Medical Microbiology and Hygiene, Heidelberg University Hospital, Im Neuenheimer Feld 324, D-69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Uwe Frank
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Medical Microbiology and Hygiene, Heidelberg University Hospital, Im Neuenheimer Feld 324, D-69120 Heidelberg, Germany; Institute for Infection Prevention and Hospital Epidemiology, Medical Center, University of Freiburg, Breisacher Str. 115B, D-79106 Freiburg i.Br., Germany
| | - Markus A Weigand
- Department of Anaesthesiology, Heidelberg University Hospital, Im Neuenheimer Feld 420, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Alexandra Heininger
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Medical Microbiology and Hygiene, Heidelberg University Hospital, Im Neuenheimer Feld 324, D-69120 Heidelberg, Germany; Department of Hospital Hygiene, University Medical Center Mannheim,Theodor-Kutzer-Ufer 1-3, 68167 Mannheim, Germany
| | - Nico T Mutters
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Medical Microbiology and Hygiene, Heidelberg University Hospital, Im Neuenheimer Feld 324, D-69120 Heidelberg, Germany; Institute of Hygiene and Public Health, University Hospital Bonn, Venusberg-Campus 1, 53127 Bonn, Germany
| | - Markus W Büchler
- Department of General, Visceral and Transplantation Surgery, Im Neuenheimer Feld 6420, 69120 Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Klaus Heeg
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Medical Microbiology and Hygiene, Heidelberg University Hospital, Im Neuenheimer Feld 324, D-69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Dennis Nurjadi
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Medical Microbiology and Hygiene, Heidelberg University Hospital, Im Neuenheimer Feld 324, D-69120 Heidelberg, Germany
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15
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Lisotto P, Couto N, Rosema S, Lokate M, Zhou X, Bathoorn E, Harmsen HJM, Friedrich AW, Rossen JWA, Chlebowicz-Fliss MA. Molecular Characterisation of Vancomycin-Resistant Enterococcus faecium Isolates Belonging to the Lineage ST117/CT24 Causing Hospital Outbreaks. Front Microbiol 2021; 12:728356. [PMID: 34646248 PMCID: PMC8503688 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2021.728356] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2021] [Accepted: 08/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecium (VREfm) is a successful nosocomial pathogen. The current molecular method recommended in the Netherlands for VREfm typing is based on core genome Multilocus sequence typing (cgMLST), however, the rapid emergence of specific VREfm lineages challenges distinguishing outbreak isolates solely based on their core genome. Here, we explored if a detailed molecular characterisation of mobile genetic elements (MGEs) and accessory genes could support and expand the current molecular typing of VREfm isolates sharing the same genetic background, enhancing the discriminatory power of the analysis. Materials/Methods: The genomes of 39 VREfm and three vancomycin-susceptible E. faecium (VSEfm) isolates belonging to ST117/CT24, as assessed by cgMLST, were retrospectively analysed. The isolates were collected from patients and environmental samples from 2011 to 2017, and their genomes were analysed using short-read sequencing. Pangenome analysis was performed on de novo assemblies, which were also screened for known predicted virulence factors, antimicrobial resistance genes, bacteriocins, and prophages. Two representative isolates were also sequenced using long-read sequencing, which allowed a detailed analysis of their plasmid content. Results: The cgMLST analysis showed that the isolates were closely related, with a minimal allelic difference of 10 between each cluster’s closest related isolates. The vanB-carrying transposon Tn1549 was present in all VREfm isolates. However, in our data, we observed independent acquisitions of this transposon. The pangenome analysis revealed differences in the accessory genes related to prophages and bacteriocins content, whilst a similar profile was observed for known predicted virulence and resistance genes. Conclusion: In the case of closely related isolates sharing a similar genetic background, a detailed analysis of MGEs and the integration point of the vanB-carrying transposon allow to increase the discriminatory power compared to the use of cgMLST alone. Thus, enabling the identification of epidemiological links amongst hospitalised patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paola Lisotto
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infection Prevention, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Natacha Couto
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infection Prevention, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands.,The Milner Centre for Evolution, Department of Biology and Biochemistry, University of Bath, Bath, United Kingdom
| | - Sigrid Rosema
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infection Prevention, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Mariëtte Lokate
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infection Prevention, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Xuewei Zhou
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infection Prevention, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Erik Bathoorn
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infection Prevention, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Hermie J M Harmsen
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infection Prevention, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Alexander W Friedrich
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infection Prevention, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - John W A Rossen
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infection Prevention, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands.,Department of Pathology, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT, United States.,IDbyDNA Inc., Salt Lake City, UT, United States
| | - Monika A Chlebowicz-Fliss
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infection Prevention, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
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16
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Rogers LA, Strong K, Cork SC, McAllister TA, Liljebjelke K, Zaheer R, Checkley SL. The Role of Whole Genome Sequencing in the Surveillance of Antimicrobial Resistant Enterococcus spp.: A Scoping Review. Front Public Health 2021; 9:599285. [PMID: 34178909 PMCID: PMC8222819 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2021.599285] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2020] [Accepted: 05/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Enterococcus spp. have arisen as important nosocomial pathogens and are ubiquitous in the gastrointestinal tracts of animals and the environment. They carry many intrinsic and acquired antimicrobial resistance genes. Because of this, surveillance of Enterococcus spp. has become important with whole genome sequencing emerging as the preferred method for the characterization of enterococci. A scoping review was designed to determine how the use of whole genome sequencing in the surveillance of Enterococcus spp. adds to our knowledge of antimicrobial resistance in Enterococcus spp. Scoping review design was guided by the PRISMA extension and checklist and JBI Reviewer's Guide for scoping reviews. A total of 72 articles were included in the review. Of the 72 articles included, 48.6% did not state an association with a surveillance program and 87.5% of articles identified Enterococcus faecium. The majority of articles included isolates from human clinical or screening samples. Significant findings from the articles included novel sequence types, the increasing prevalence of vancomycin-resistant enterococci in hospitals, and the importance of surveillance or screening for enterococci. The ability of enterococci to adapt and persist within a wide range of environments was also a key finding. These studies emphasize the importance of ongoing surveillance of enterococci from a One Health perspective. More studies are needed to compare the whole genome sequences of human enterococcal isolates to those from food animals, food products, the environment, and companion animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lindsay A Rogers
- Department of Ecosystem and Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Kayla Strong
- Department of Ecosystem and Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Susan C Cork
- Department of Ecosystem and Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Tim A McAllister
- Lethbridge Research and Development Centre, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Lethbridge, AB, Canada
| | - Karen Liljebjelke
- Department of Ecosystem and Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Rahat Zaheer
- Lethbridge Research and Development Centre, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Lethbridge, AB, Canada
| | - Sylvia L Checkley
- Department of Ecosystem and Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
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17
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Falgenhauer L, Preuser I, Imirzalioglu C, Falgenhauer J, Fritzenwanker M, Mack D, Best C, Heudorf U, Chakraborty T. Changing epidemiology of vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecium: Results of a genome-based study at a regional neurological acute hospital with intensive care and early rehabilitation treatment. Infect Prev Pract 2021; 3:100138. [PMID: 34368749 PMCID: PMC8335922 DOI: 10.1016/j.infpip.2021.100138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2021] [Accepted: 03/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecium (VREfm) are an emerging threat worldwide. In Germany, a VRE-belt with higher VREfm prevalences transversing its central east-west axis and including the state of Hesse was previously described. Recently, we detected a predominant VREfm clone in hospitals throughout the Rhine-Main metropolitan area of Hesse. Aim Here we expanded our study on VREfm to a regional neurological acute hospital outside of the metropolitan area with patient referrals from throughout Hesse and the neighboring federal state of Rhineland-Palatinate. Material/Methods VREfm isolates obtained between 2016-2018 from a regional neurological acute hospital with intensive care and early rehabilitation units were investigated (n=55). Patient data was collected and analyzed together with whole-genome sequencing data to investigate antibiotic resistance and virulence determinants of the VREfm. The population structure of VREfm was investigated using the Core genome-based multilocus sequence typing (cgMLST). Findings The average age of the patients was 67.1 years. For 96% of the patients, a previous hospital stay was reported. 64% of the patients were treated with antibiotics. All VREfm harbored the vanB vancomycin resistance gene. The multilocus sequence types (STs) detected changed abruptly from four different STs in 2016 to a predominant ST in 2017 and 2018 (ST117). Most of the ST117 isolates were members of the cgMLST type CT71. Conclusion The results indicate a sudden shift of the VREfm population structure from a semi-heterogeneous population to a pre-dominant clone within an interval of two years. Further investigations are warranted to understand the epidemiology and emergence of this clone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linda Falgenhauer
- Institute of Hygiene and Environmental Medicine, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Schubertstrasse 81, Giessen, 35392, Germany.,German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Site Giessen-Marburg-Langen, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Schubertstrasse 81, Giessen, 35392, Germany
| | - Ingeborg Preuser
- Department of Neurology, Vitos-Weil-Lahn, Weilstrasse 10, Weilmünster, 35789, Germany
| | - Can Imirzalioglu
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Site Giessen-Marburg-Langen, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Schubertstrasse 81, Giessen, 35392, Germany.,Institute of Medical Microbiology, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Schubertstrasse 81, Giessen, 35392, Germany
| | - Jane Falgenhauer
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Site Giessen-Marburg-Langen, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Schubertstrasse 81, Giessen, 35392, Germany.,Institute of Medical Microbiology, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Schubertstrasse 81, Giessen, 35392, Germany
| | - Moritz Fritzenwanker
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Site Giessen-Marburg-Langen, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Schubertstrasse 81, Giessen, 35392, Germany.,Institute of Medical Microbiology, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Schubertstrasse 81, Giessen, 35392, Germany
| | - Dietrich Mack
- Institut für Medizinische Diagnostik GmbH, Bioscientia Labor Ingelheim, Konrad-Adenauer-Straße 17, Ingelheim am Rhein, 55218, Germany
| | - Christoph Best
- Department of Neurology, Vitos-Weil-Lahn, Weilstrasse 10, Weilmünster, 35789, Germany
| | - Ursel Heudorf
- Network on MDRO Rhine-Main, Breite Gasse 28, Frankfurt/Main, 60313, Germany
| | - Trinad Chakraborty
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Site Giessen-Marburg-Langen, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Schubertstrasse 81, Giessen, 35392, Germany.,Institute of Medical Microbiology, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Schubertstrasse 81, Giessen, 35392, Germany
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18
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Bui MT, Rohde AM, Schwab F, Märtin N, Kipnis M, Boldt AC, Behnke M, Denkel LA, Kola A, Zweigner J, Gastmeier P, Wiese-Posselt M. Prevalence and risk factors of colonisation with vancomycin-resistant Enterococci faecium upon admission to Germany's largest university hospital. GMS HYGIENE AND INFECTION CONTROL 2021; 16:Doc06. [PMID: 33643773 PMCID: PMC7894188 DOI: 10.3205/dgkh000377] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Background: Hospital-acquired infections due to vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) are emerging globally. The aims of our study were to estimate VRE colonisation prevalence in patients upon admission, to determine possible risk factors for VR E. faecium acquisition that already exist in the outpatient setting, and to monitor whether VRE-colonised patients developed a VRE infection during their current hospital stay. Methods: In 2014 and 2015, patients admitted to non-intensive care units were screened for rectal VRE carriage. The study patients filled out a questionnaire on potential risk factors. Analyses were restricted to VR E. faecium carriage. All patients with VRE colonisation were retrospectively monitored for infections with VRE during their current hospital stay. Results: In 4,013 enrolled patients, the VRE colonisation prevalence upon admission was 1.2% (n=48), and colonisation prevalence was 1.1% (n=45) for VR E. faecium. Only one VRE-colonised patient developed an infection with the detection of a VRE, among others. Colonisation with VR E. faecium was associated with current antibiotic use. Risk factors of VR E. faecium colonisation upon admission were increasing age, previous colonisation or infection with multidrug resistant organisms, sampling year 2015, and, within the previous six months, antibiotic exposure, a stay at a rehabilitation center, and a hospital stay. Conclusions: We observed that antibiotic treatment which occurred prior admission influenced VR E. faecium prevalence upon admission. Thus, wise antibiotic use in outpatient settings plays a major role in the prevention of VR E. faecium acquisition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minh Trang Bui
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health; Institute of Hygiene and Environmental Medicine, Berlin, Germany
| | - Anna M Rohde
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health; Institute of Hygiene and Environmental Medicine, Berlin, Germany.,German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Frank Schwab
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health; Institute of Hygiene and Environmental Medicine, Berlin, Germany
| | - Nayana Märtin
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health; Institute of Hygiene and Environmental Medicine, Berlin, Germany
| | - Marina Kipnis
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health; Institute of Hygiene and Environmental Medicine, Berlin, Germany
| | - Anne-Cathérine Boldt
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health; Institute of Hygiene and Environmental Medicine, Berlin, Germany
| | - Michael Behnke
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health; Institute of Hygiene and Environmental Medicine, Berlin, Germany
| | - Luisa A Denkel
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health; Institute of Hygiene and Environmental Medicine, Berlin, Germany
| | - Axel Kola
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health; Institute of Hygiene and Environmental Medicine, Berlin, Germany
| | - Janine Zweigner
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health; Institute of Hygiene and Environmental Medicine, Berlin, Germany.,University Hospital Cologne, Department of Infection Control and Hygiene, Cologne, Germany
| | - Petra Gastmeier
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health; Institute of Hygiene and Environmental Medicine, Berlin, Germany.,German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Miriam Wiese-Posselt
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health; Institute of Hygiene and Environmental Medicine, Berlin, Germany.,German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Braunschweig, Germany
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19
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Werner G, Neumann B, Weber RE, Kresken M, Wendt C, Bender JK. Thirty years of VRE in Germany - "expect the unexpected": The view from the National Reference Centre for Staphylococci and Enterococci. Drug Resist Updat 2020; 53:100732. [PMID: 33189998 DOI: 10.1016/j.drup.2020.100732] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2020] [Revised: 10/12/2020] [Accepted: 10/15/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Enterococci are commensals of the intestinal tract of many animals and humans. Of the various known and still unnamed new enterococcal species, only isolates of Enterococcus faecium and Enterococcus faecalis have received increased medical and public health attention. According to textbook knowledge, the majority of infections are caused by E. faecalis. In recent decades, the number of enterococcal infections has increased, with the increase being exclusively associated with a rising number of nosocomial E. faecium infections. This increase has been accompanied by the dissemination of certain hospital-acquired strain variants and an alarming progress in the development of antibiotic resistance namely vancomycin resistance. With this review we focus on a description of the specific situation of vancomycin resistance among clinical E. faecium isolates in Germany over the past 30 years. The present review describes three VRE episodes in Germany, each of which is framed by the beginning and end of the respective decade. The first episode is specified by the first appearance of VRE in 1990 and a country-wide spread of specific vanA-type VRE strains (ST117/CT24) until the late 1990s. The second decade was initially marked by regional clusters and VRE outbreaks in hospitals in South-Western Germany in 2004 and 2005, mainly caused by vanA-type VRE of ST203. Against the background of a certain "basic level" of VRE prevalence throughout Germany, an early shift from the vanA genotype to the vanB genotype in clinical isolates already occurred at the end of the 2000s without much notice. With the beginning of the third decade in 2010, VRE rates in Germany have permanently increased, first in some federal states and soon after country-wide. Besides an increase in VRE prevalence, this decade was marked by a sharp increase in vanB-type resistance and a dominance of a few, novel strain variants like ST192 and later on ST117 (CT71, CT469) and ST80 (CT1065). The largest VRE outbreak, which involved about 2,900 patients and lasted over three years, was caused by a novel and until that time, unknown strain type of ST80/CT1013 (vanB). Across all periods, VRE outbreaks were mainly oligoclonal and strain types varied over space (hospital wards) and time. The spread of VRE strains obviously respects political borders; for instance, both vancomycin-variable enterococci which were highly prevalent in Denmark and ST796 VRE which successfully disseminated in Australia and Switzerland, were still completely absent among German hospital patients, until to date.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guido Werner
- National Reference Centre for Staphylococci and Enterococci, Division Nosocomial Pathogens and Antibiotic Resistances, Department of Infectious Diseases, Robert Koch Institute, Wernigerode Branch, Germany.
| | - Bernd Neumann
- National Reference Centre for Staphylococci and Enterococci, Division Nosocomial Pathogens and Antibiotic Resistances, Department of Infectious Diseases, Robert Koch Institute, Wernigerode Branch, Germany
| | - Robert E Weber
- National Reference Centre for Staphylococci and Enterococci, Division Nosocomial Pathogens and Antibiotic Resistances, Department of Infectious Diseases, Robert Koch Institute, Wernigerode Branch, Germany
| | | | | | - Jennifer K Bender
- National Reference Centre for Staphylococci and Enterococci, Division Nosocomial Pathogens and Antibiotic Resistances, Department of Infectious Diseases, Robert Koch Institute, Wernigerode Branch, Germany
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